Townsend police warn residents after bear reportedly kills goat, targets chickens

A black bear targeted a goat and a chicken coop in Townsend, Massachusetts, on Thursday morning, prompting police and environmental responses. Around 8:06 a. m. , a resident reported the bear, which had killed one goat and was attempting to attack others. Although local police and Massachusetts Environmental Police searched for the bear, it eluded capture.

Townsend Fire Chief Gary Shepard managed to take a photo of the bear, which was shared on Facebook to notify residents. The bear population in Massachusetts is estimated at over 4,500 and is expanding eastward. Authorities emphasized the importance of securing food sources, stating that if a bear finds food, it will likely return. Residents are advised to pick fruit daily and remove bird feeders during winter months when bears are typically denning. Such precautions are essential to ensure community safety and reduce bear encounters.